Lions utility forward Ruan Venter will go under the knife next week after suffering a serious knee injury.
The 23-year-old was forced off on a medical cart early in the Lions’ Vodacom URC defeat to Leinster in Dublin last weekend.
According to Netwerk24, Venter could be sidelined for between five and nine months. If that timeline is confirmed, the versatile forward is unlikely to play again in 2026.
It is a cruel setback for Venter, who had enjoyed a superb season for the Lions and was pushing hard for a return to the Springbok squad.
The former Paarl Boys’ High star earned his first Test cap against Portugal in Bloemfontein in 2024 and had emerged as a strong contender for further honours.
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His injury comes at a time when the Springboks are already short on lock options, with Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Lood de Jager and Jean Kleyn all currently unavailable.
Venter’s abrasive ball-carrying and physical presence will also be sorely missed by the Lions as they prepare for Saturday’s final league match against Munster in Limerick.
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The Joburg-based side has qualified for the URC quarter-finals for the first time, but will tackle the playoffs without one of their most influential forwards.
The Springboks open their 2026 season against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on 20 June, before taking on England at Ellis Park two weeks later.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Bok hopeful set for lengthy layoff appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Lions utility forward Ruan Venter will go under the knife next week after suffering a serious knee injury.
The post Bok hopeful set for lengthy layoff appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
